xoxo
X
Dressed in an all-black Givenchy lace-embroidered blazer paired with black pants from the same designer and a red Prada bag, Olivia's grey Armani pumps tap quickly over the marble floors as she hastily walks down the hallway to Jake's apartment.
After her father's plan to eradicate Ryan failed, Olivia needed to know how he found out about them breaking into this apartment and why there wasn't a clear indication of his past. Yet, his influence runs deep, and the real reason for him being in DC.
With darkness obstructing Olivia, the simple thought of Ryan infuriates her, boiling her blood to the point that if she doesn't handle the situation now, she'll lose everything even though he's not standing in her way. She has no real reason to want him gone or to be pursuing him relentlessly, but with darkness tethering her, she's misguided.
Knocking on the apartment door, she waits for Jake to answer. A few moments pass, and he finally does, allowing her to walk inside and close the door behind her. He can visibly see her anger and the fire flowing through her veins, but he's confused about why this is such a big deal to her.
"Liv I-"
"How did he find out that you were in his apartment?" She asks, spinning around to face him. "Did you leave something behind? Did you-"
"I didn't leave anything behind." He informs, tucking his hands into his pockets. "He's clean, Liv. As much as you want him to be some tyrant, he-"
"He's hiding something, and I expected you to figure it out." Jabbing a finger at him. "How is there no indication of his past here, but his influence is as predominant as the United States President? Why is he here?"
"I don't know!" He exclaims. "And I honestly don't care. You're only so concerned with him because of a few obvious reasons. Number one, he's in the White House, something you're gunning for, and with him being close to the man you're still in love with, you're worried that in some twisted, fucked up way, he's going to lock you out when in reality, you've already done that yourself." He continues.
"Number two, your father. You let him get inside your head, preaching about prey and predators as he always does, and you fell for it. As you always do, you fell for that man's trap because your father's ideologies eclipse yours. And number three, you see Ryan as a threat for reasons unknown, but the point is I don't care. I care about you and what we're doing."
She's momentarily stunned. Her gaze darkens, and her lips begin to quiver. The result she expected from this conversation is not what she received. She wants to speak up, to force the words trapped in her throat, but she can't because Jake's right; however, she doesn't want him to be, so instead, she compartmentalizes his words and steps closer to him.
"As command . . . your boss, I would advise you to handle the situation before I handle you." The malevolence evident. "And I'm sure you don't want that to happen." She brushes past him, proceeding to the door.
With a sigh, he turns to her. "I just have one question." His words stop her. "Are you going to let a man with no power command, Command?"
Wincing slightly, scoffing at his question, she leaves his apartment without a word.
X
Standing outside Ryan's apartment, Jake patiently waits for him to arrive. He paces back and forth, his mind filled with various thoughts he can't quite explain. He's skittish, realizing this is a long shot that can go wrong if he gets caught because he knows his life will be in danger if Olivia finds out.
A small ding fills the silence, and the doors to the elevator open. Holding hands, Ryan and Danny laugh at something they discussed earlier while walking out of the elevator. They're so focused on each other that they don't see Jake until they look away.
Skepticism immediately spreads across their faces as they stop in front of him. They glance at each other and then back at him before Ryan reaches into his hoodie pocket, pulling out his keys and handing them to Danny.
"Will you be okay with him, Ryan?" He asks.
"I'll be fine." And he will, pressing a kiss upon Danny's cheek. "You go inside, and I'll be right in." He reverts his attention to Jake, folding his arms. "This won't take long."
He returns the kiss, "Okay."
Danny heads inside the apartment. Once the door closes, Ryan sits in one of the chairs against the wall, crossing his legs.
"How may I help you, Mr. Ballard?"
"I need you to stop whatever you're doing so that Olivia and I can continue to do good work." He states. "You're a distraction for her. Ever since you arrived, she's been after you, and she won't stop. Not until you're far away from the oval and far away from Fitz."
Ryan chuckles. "That's not happening. Anything else?"
"I don't think you understand the severity of you being here. Olivia won't hesitate to ruin you, maybe even kill you. I don't know, but I know that she's adamant about taking you down."
"There are two things wrong with what you're telling me. Number one, even with the backing of B613, there's no possible way she can take me down because I'm not attached to anything she could utilize to do it, nor is there anything in any record that can lead to my demise." Holding two fingers up.
"Number two, you're here because you're scared of your boss, and quite frankly . . . you should be."
"And why should I be? Because you're going to tell her I came to you?" He wonders, folding his arms across his chest.
Ryan smiles. "Oh goodness no. You should be afraid because I know you're the one who sent that fake story about the senators to Mellie, and then she planted the seed to Olivia, which led her to go to the White House."
Silence ensues. Jake's eyes darken as he gazes at Ryan, anger rushing through his veins. Rising to his feet, Ryan steps closer to Jake, and from behind, Danny opens the apartment door and stands in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe.
"So, you see, Mr. Ballard. Coming here is only incriminating yourself." He smiles.
"I don't care about anything Ms. Pope has going on, and I'm not here to step on her toes. I hadn't bothered a soul when I arrived, and I will continue to do my job. So, if the two of you want to play this fucked up version of brother-sister, boyfriend girlfriend, boss-subordinate, then by all means continue, but always remember, a lion loses no sleep over the actions of a sheep."
Enraged, Jake attempts to get closer to Ryan, but Danny's hand on his shoulder stops him.
"You can leave now, Mr. Ballard." His rich voice carries through the hallway.
"Yeah." Ryan chuckles. "You can leave now."
Knowing he didn't come to pick a fight, Jake angrily removes himself from Danny's grip, brushing past Ryan and walking onto the elevator. As he presses the button to go down, Danny walks over to Ryan, taking his hand in his own.
"I got the movie ready." He smiles. "I refuse to let anything or anyone stop us from enjoying this date today."
"Perfect." He smiles. "Lead the way."
Danny leads them into the apartment with a smile, closing the door behind them.
X
Abby walks with purpose, eyes on her phone and heels tapping quickly over the white marble floors to her office. She stuns in a navy blue Twill Jacquard dress with a matching jacket by Michael Kors and white Prada slingback pumps, and she's ready for the day ahead of her.
"Ms. Whelan, you have a Ryan Lewis in your office." Her new assistant informs from behind his desk. "I told him it was okay if he waited inside. It seemed urgent that he'd speak with you."
"Thank you." She smiles, entering her office. "I'm so glad you came." Still focused on her phone, closing the door behind her. "I was thinking we could do lunch because I am starving."
"I would love to do lunch, Ms. Whelan." The sound of Eli's voice attracts her attention. She's shocked, the disdain evident.
"What are you doing here, Eli? You aren't permitted-"
He raises a hand to stop her. "I know I'm not permitted to be here, but I have a proposition for you."
She folds her arms across her chest. "A proposition?"
He chuckles, taking a step closer to her. "I need you to fire Ryan." He reaches into his black trench coat and pulls out a money-filled envelope holding it out to her. "You'll be rewarded beyond normal means."
Taking the envelope, she opens it and counts the money inside.
"This is-"
"Five hundred thousand dollars. And if you complete this uncomplicated task, another five hundred will be waiting for you."
She ponders his words before laughing, making her way over to her desk.
"I'm sorry, Eli, but no deal." Tossing the envelope onto the desk. "So, please leave my office before I-"
He angrily smashes his hands down on the desk, but she remains unfazed.
"I don't think you know the capabilities Ryan possesses. He will destroy you and the president's legacy that you helped build. He is a parasite to the American people; he is a substandard version of the woman that should be in office, Olivia Pope. He is a vindictive, manipulative, poisonous man who must die." He spews, veins pumping with outrage.
"Classic Eli. There's always some angle to spin your spawn to the forefront because you're a horrible parent." She stings. "Ryan has done nothing but his job. The president, myself, and the entire damn White House are happy to have him. The only people bitter about it are people like you with no power." Her hands pressed against her desk.
"Without Olivia, you have no sense of direction, and that feeling of being above the fray consumes you when, in reality, you're a scared, pathetic excuse for a human being looking for a way out. And make no mistake, Eli, Ryan isn't your way out or your way in, so please leave my office, or I'll have you escorted out.
His heart sinks into his stomach, hands trembling with fear. He failed. The monster Abby once had is no longer power-hungry, making his efforts futile. Grabbing the envelope, he storms out of the office, leaving her with a decision to make.
Tell Ryan or not.
X
It's a hard day at work for Mellie as she prepares for her upcoming national television debut. To say she's nervous is an understatement. There's so much pressure surrounding her with her being the first woman to make it this far and her not having a clear consciousness regarding who she wants to be as a president.
Dressed in a Prada grey and white pinstripe dress and matching blazer, she paces back and forth behind her desk, going over the talking points with Olivia, who sits in a chair by the door with her legs crossed. She folds her arms, irritated, but allows Mellie to get to the end before commenting.
"You sound insincere, Mellie. Like you don't care about the issues you're discussing. Robotic. You won't be able to win the American people over unless you seem normal." She informs, stopping Mellie in her tracks.
She folds her arms, gazing out of the window. "This is tiring, Olivia. I'm doing my best."
"You're not." She rises to her feet. "You are so used to having everything tossed at you on a silver platter because of your privilege, and that's a problem."
"Privilege?" She turns to face her, bewildered. "What privilege do I have? I have worked my ass off to get to this point, and you think it's because of privilege? Maybe you aren't as formidable as I thought." She sneers.
Olivia laughs at the remark. "You are a white woman in America, which automatically puts you in the mid to top range of the food chain. Women and men of color like myself have to struggle to get where I am, let alone where you are, and it's both disgusting and insulting that you don't know that." She grabs her bag off the table and walks towards the door.
"Until you realize that not every black person or persons of color is the help and that your white privilege can bring awareness to the issues I'm preparing you for . . . this will be where you are."
"Liv I-"
"Good luck with your interview." She smiles, opening the door to the office. "You're going to need it."
Olivia leaves the office, knowing that her words will push Mellie to double down and do what's right. All a part of her plan. This meeting will create a domino effect, prompting Mellie to consider the dire circumstances to ace her interview. Win, win.
Mellie, on the other hand, curses herself under her breath. Olivia's always right; without her, she's sure she's bound to ruin her interview.
X
Abby gradually eats her salad in her office while waiting for Ryan to show. After her conversation with Eli, Abby's still unsure whether she should tell him or not because she's unsure how he'll react.
He's dressed in dark green Roberto Cavalli velvet tailored cape and matching pants with a pair of all-black Balenciaga leather ankle boots with a metal heel. Carrying a grey Balenciaga arena leather tote, topped off with a ponytail, Ryan walks down the hallway towards Abby's office.
He sees Danny walking in his direction, making his rounds. The sight of the man makes him instantly smile as Danny flirtatiously winks at him, passing him by as he proceeds into Abby's office.
"Is she in there?" He asks her assistant, who's in awe.
She grins. "Yes. She's expecting you, sir."
"Thank you." He smiles, proceeding into Abby's office, attracting her attention.
He sets his bag on her desk, sitting in the chair in front of it. "I hope you didn't eat my salad."
"Nope." She grabs a white Styrofoam container from a brown paper bag and hands it to him. "I would never."
"Thank you." He smiles, setting the container down before him and opening it. "I haven't eaten all day today."
"You've been busy." She laughs. "How does it feel?"
"It feels good." He glances up at her, adding some dressing to his salad. "I feel like we're making a difference, which pleases me."
She agrees, wiping her mouth with her napkin. "Do you think we'll be able to pass those bills?"
"I do." eating, covering his mouth with a hand. "I think we all did exceptionally that night, and we didn't even have to play dirty. That alone shows the positive change."
She smiles. "It does, and I can honestly say that having you here has been a blast."
"Thank you." He smiles, setting his fork down. "I'm enjoying myself."
"Good. So, when it's all said and done, will you stay? Or will you disappear again?" She's curious.
"I'll work with Fitz at the foundation when we get it up and running. A few kids at the state dinner pulled on my heartstrings about it, and I couldn't disappoint them." He chuckles. "Besides . . . I have a lot of things and people keeping me here now."
She hums. "Secret Serviceman, Danny."
"And you, and Fitz, and Cyrus." He laughs, "but yeah, him too."
"You like him."
"I do." He smiles. "He makes me feel good."
"That's good." She smiles. "I wish I was as sure as Danny is about you about David."
"Rosen? Attorney General?"
"Yes." A sigh. "We've been off and on for some time now. I want to commit, but I'm scared I'll get hurt, or something will happen if we get too attached."
He smiles, leaning over the desk. "You only have one life. Why not share it with someone who wants to be with you? There's no need to self-sabotage yourself or your relationship with him. All he wants to do is love you no matter what happens."
His words speak volumes to her. Abby's been thinking about David, and this is the clarity she needs to pull it together and take a chance.
"You're right. I'm always in my head about everything when I don't have to be. I'll talk to him about it tonight." She smiles. "Thank you."
"Of course, I-"
The sound of his phone ringing interrupts him. Without hesitating, he reaches into his bag and pulls it out, answering it when he sees it's the president calling.
"Mr. President."
"Hey Ryan, are you busy? I need to see you in my office as soon as possible."
"Not at all, sir. Be there shortly." He ends the call. "Looks like the day isn't over yet." Rising to his feet, grabbing his bag in the process.
"You'll get used to it." She chuckles. You go. I'll clean this up."
"I'm sure I will." He laughs. "Catch up with you later?"
"Absolutely." She smiles. "You know where to find me."
X
Sitting on a bench a few blocks away from the White House in Lafayette Square Park, Cyrus waits patiently for Olivia to show up. She's been blowing up his phone all day, so he figured he'd give her the time of day. Luckily, the weather's nice so he can enjoy himself at least.
Approaching the bench with a smirk on her face, walking with purpose, Olivia commands the attention as she closes in on Cyrus carrying two cups of tea. She's grateful he bothered to show up, so she knows she must make it worth his while.
"Thank you for coming, Cyrus." She holds out a cup to him. "I know I'm the last person you want to be meeting right now."
"Ms. Pope." He rises to his feet, taking the cup of tea from her that's warm to the touch. "How may I assist you today?"
"I just wanted to catch up and see how you were doing. We haven't spoken in some time. How's-"
"I'm going to stop you right there." He laughs, head shaking. "I appreciate the tea, but I don't have any information regarding President Grant."
"That's not-"
"Who else would you be asking about, Ms. Pope?" He raises a brow, focusing his stare on her. "You made it clear that you wanted nothing to do with me during your road to the White House. Unless you have forgotten."
"You were in my way. I did what I had to do to assure myself that you wouldn't be a factor for me, but it doesn't mean I'm the bad guy." She sneers.
"You're much worse than a bad guy." He retorts, tossing the cup of tea in the trash.
"You are the epitome of Rowan. You are no victim, Ms. Pope. No matter how you try to spin it to justify your blatant disrespect for those around you because of your self-absorbed tendencies and lack of awareness of anyone other than yourself, this is who you are now, and maybe it's who you've always been."
"Cyrus." She steps towards him, a scowl upon her face. "You have no right to judge me, seeing as you've done much worse." Jabbing a finger at him. "You are just as much a monster as I am."
"On the contrary, Ms. Pope, I made amends for my erratic behavior months ago." He informs.
"How do you think I can work freely alongside the United States President? On the other hand, you don't believe in making amends or apologizing because you never feel like you're in the wrong. But I'll tell you this. When this facade fades, and you have to think about what your actions will cost you, you'll realize how twisted you are."
"I-"
"Tell me something, Ms. Pope. Why did you call me to meet you? Because Fitz is great, doing good things, in an excellent headspace which I'm sure you've noticed because why would you not?" His gaze narrows. "I think you called me here to talk about Ryan Lewis."
The mention of his name makes her shift uncomfortably, folding her arms across her chest.
"That's not— I don't know what you're talking about."
"You thought you had a friend in me. You thought we would gossip like old times so you could weasel your way back in, and I would give you something you could use to take him down." He laughs, mocking her.
"To dead that he's clean, and you're the only one bothered by him as far as I'm concerned. The jealousy radiates from you every time you see him because he's in a position you used to be in, next to the president. The only difference is that he has no motive. Some people are good, Ms. Pope."
"Cyrus . . . please." She begs.
"You know Fitz found a friend in him, right? He's happy, and you want to ruin that because of what? The whispers in the wind? It's foolish, Ms. Pope." He huffs.
"The Grant Administration hasn't felt this alive or this devoted in months. Ryan has been doing amazing work, so why can't you accept that nothing is wrong?"
She can't answer that because something is wrong in her mind, courtesy of her father.
"My father . . ." She murmurs, lips quivering.
"Your father?" He bursts into laughter. "This is how I know you aren't the Olivia Pope we all knew. Your judgment is clouded, and your monster is showing." He brushes past her, proceeding back to the White House.
"Good luck with your race to the Oval Office, Ms. Pope."
X
"Mr. President, is everything okay?" Ryan asks, entering the Oval Office to see Fitz standing in front of his desk holding a black folder. "I got your call."
"Everything is fine." He smiles. "Please, take a seat." He motions a hand towards the couch. "We need to talk."
"Okay." He nods. "Wait, I'm not getting fired, am I?" He raises a brow, proceeding over to the couch.
"What?" He's confused. "Why would I fire you?"
He sets his bag down on the table and sits on the couch, crossing his legs. "The black folder."
Fitz laughs, walking over to the couch, and taking a seat next to him. "This is a surprise, and I wanted to share it with you before it goes public." He holds out the folder to him.
With an indifferent yet inquisitive gaze, Ryan takes the folder and opens it, examining the contents inside. His eyes widen, and a smile appears as it dawns on him what this surprise is.
They did it. The Grant Administration got the bill passed that shines a light on racism, bringing awareness to the injustices that minorities face. And even better, another bill passed, forcing all police departments in the country to equip hidden cameras on all their officers so that the corrupt can be exposed and dealt with accordingly. And although these two bills won't eradicate the issues, they'll be a roadblock for years to come showing the corrupt and the racists that their actions will have consequences should they indulge in gratuitous acts.
Fitz smiles as he watches Ryan look through the information presented, a feeling of fulfillment consuming him. He can see how happy Ryan is; that alone lets him know he's still doing good things.
"I was also able to use my power to fix the judicial system so that real murderers go to prison instead of innocent African Americans." He informs, crossing his legs. "You were right. There are too many hierarchies that need to cease, and as the President of the United States, I want to make sure that before I leave this office, I push for equality and fairness to all."
He's delighted. "It's a start." Glancing over at Fitz. "Thank you." He closes the folder, holding it out to him.
"Thank you." He smiles, taking the folder and setting it down on the end table to his right. "If it weren't for you, I don't think I would've pursued this obvious issue."
"And if it weren't for you, this country would still be moving backward. So, thank you for letting me be a part of the conversation and for letting me sit at the table."
Fitz smiles. "You were already at the table, I just had to catch up with you, but you're welcome. I'm grateful to have you."
Ryan smiles, sighing contentedly. "How does it feel to be on the right side of history?"
"Phenomenal." He laughs.
A moment of silence ensues as they relish in the accomplishment. Moving forward with positive change isn't easy, especially in DC, but they are doing what's suitable for the American People.
Ryan leans back against the couch. "So, how are you? Personally. I don't mean to pry, but-"
"It's okay. We're friends." He assures. "I'm good. I'm happy. Everything seems to be lining up for me, and I didn't expect it to."
"Why not?"
"Because I was a mess." He chuckles. "After my break up, I didn't think I could pick up the pieces."
He smiles. "But you persevered anyway."
"I did." He nods imperceptibly. "I just wish things could be different at times."
"Different how?"
"I wish I could've been the man I am today back when she and I were together. Maybe things wouldn't have-"
"No. That wouldn't have changed anything."
"It wouldn't have?"
Ryan chuckles. "No. When two people with careers like yours and hers are madly in love, wants and needs change, circumstances change, and what someone may think the answer will change." He casts his gaze on Fitz.
"You couldn't have stopped that break up from happening, Fitz, because she wasn't ready. She still has things to accomplish, a legacy to make. You made yours."
He smiles. "When you put it like that, it makes sense. Olivia's always been adamant about her career being a priority. She's worked extremely hard, and I'm glad she's doing what she feels is right."
"Exactly." He agrees, interlacing his fingers atop his knee. "And with a publicized relationship, who wouldn't run?"
"Yeah." He murmurs, casting his gaze on nothing in particular. "I guess the takeaway is that all things that fall can rise again."
A hum. "You still have hope for her?"
Fitz chuckles. "Would I be an idiot if I said yes?"
"No. You'd be smart, noble, and human." He's honest. "The fact that you can talk about her so freely in a positive light shows your growth and the kind of man you truly are. She's the love of your life. That's never going to change. And even with you moving on with your life, you're still holding the door open for when she's ready to return."
Fitz is surprised. Someone understands him. "You understand."
"I do." A nod. "You're not a bad man for being in love because it's not every day that you find a love like that."
Fitz finds solace in Ryan's words. Ryan's understanding of his relationship with Olivia is astounding, and he appreciates it so much. Ever since the breakup, he's felt indifferent about himself still caring, but now, he's heedful.
He raises a brow. "What about you?"
"Me?" Ryan questions, clearing his throat. Of course, the tables would turn onto him.
"Danny." He smiles, brows raised.
He laughs nervously. "Is it that obvious?"
"I fell in love when I first saw Olivia. You think I wouldn't see it happening right before me?" He laughs. "The first day you arrived and you two met, I saw that look in his eyes."
"And what was the look?"
"Like you were the only one in his universe." He places a hand on Ryan's shoulder. "I hate to sound like I'm playing matchmaker, but whatever's brewing between you two, if anything, don't hesitate to see where it leads."
Ryan nods, smiling. Maybe Fitz and everyone else rooting for this Danny situation are right. Perhaps it's not such a bad thing, but only time will tell.
"Okay."
X
She's lost. Alone. On an unsatisfying journey to the White House, she knows she deserves. She's earned it. With all her failed attempts at ruining Ryan, she ends up right where she belongs, outside her father's house.
Olivia knocks on the red door, irregularly breathing as she waits for him to answer, folding her arms tightly around herself. Suddenly, she hears the door unlock, and with a sigh, she prepares herself for him to be upset but instead, he opens the door with a smile, allowing her inside.
"I failed." She murmurs, walking into the living room. "All of my efforts failed."
He closes the door behind her. "Because you're trying too hard. You are a sheep, and he is the lion." Following behind her. "There's only one way you're going to be able to end him, and we both know what that way is, Olivia."
She spins around in alarm, brows furrowed. "I can't do that. It's not me."
"You have the most powerful organization in the palm of your hands, and you can't do it?" He laughs. "Oh, Olivia, you can't choose when to be high and mighty. Today, you are exactly the woman you were when you started fighting for the White House. You simply didn't know it."
"So, killing him is the answer?"
He steps closer to her, placing his hands on her face. "It's the only answer."
She scoffs in disgust, moving away from him. "You can't be serious!" She exclaims. "This is your problem! I wouldn't have even thought to-"
"To what, Olivia? Eliminate your competition to push yourself ahead? You've done it before. Just ask your friends and your ex-boyfriend." He shakes his head, taking a seat on the arm of his couch. "You came here for answers. That is the only one."
"Killing doesn't solve anything!"
"You knew what being command entailed when you took it from me. There are considerable risks, Olivia, and if you want the perfect world you see inside your head, I would advise you to stop this holier than thou attitude and be command."
With indifference etched upon her face, she glares at him with dark eyes as she internally succumbs to her father's words.
He's right. Olivia is Command.
X
Pacing back and forth outside Ryan's apartment door, Abby chastises herself for not speaking up before regarding her and Eli's encounter. It's been eating her alive all day, and as his friend, she knows it's right to say something.
Finally, she knocks on the door, her pacing continuing while she waits. A few moments pass and Ryan opens the door wrapped in a black silk robe, hair completely disheveled, snapping her out of walking back and forth.
He's tired, and it's evident in his voice. "Abby? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"
"I'm sorry to wake you, but earlier today, Eli Pope came to my office and tried to bribe me into firing you for a million dollars which I didn't take." She informs.
"He says you're a parasite to the American people, a substandard version of his daughter, vindictive, manipulative, poisonous. He thinks you'll destroy the president's legacy."
Of course. "Anything else?"
"Yeah. What are you going to do?" She raises a brow, folding her arms. "He seems very adamant on this."
"Don't worry about it. Eli will get what's coming to him in time."